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Zero Dep vs. Engine Protect: Choosing Your Car Insurance Add-on

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Home / Car Insurance / Zero Dep vs. Engine Protect: Choosing Your Car Insurance Add-on

You have just bought your dream car and want to ensure it stays in excellent condition. That is where car insurance and add-ons come into play. A car insurance policy is an agreement between you and an insurer, where you pay a premium in return for financial coverage against damages due to accidents or other incidents. 

While comprehensive insurance typically covers vehicle damage, property loss, and medical expenses, it may not include everything. Add-ons like zero depreciation and engine protection provide extra security. This blog explores the key difference between zero dep and engine protection add-ons to help you choose the one that best fits your needs.

Zero Depreciation Add-on Cover
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Depreciation refers to the decreased value of a car due to time, wear, and tear. A zero depreciation cover will ensure that during a claim settlement, you do not have to pay any deductibles. The claim will pay for the full replacement of the car parts. So, if you have bought a new car, buying a zero depreciation add-on makes perfect sense since it will reduce any extra out-of-pocket expenses. 

Benefits of Zero Depreciation Cover
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Here are some benefits of a zero depreciation cover:

Exclusions of Zero Depreciation Cover
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Exclusions of zero depreciation cover are: 

Engine Protection Add-on Cover
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It is an addition to a regular comprehensive car insurance plan with an extra set of unique benefits and features. Owning this cover helps to get reimbursement for replacing or repairing damaged engine parts.

Since most insurance companies do not provide coverage for engine damage in their regular comprehensive insurance policies, engine protection remains susceptible. Usually, the cost of an engine protection add-on is only 2% of the car's value. So, it seems wise to invest beforehand to save on extended expenses in the future. 

Benefits of Engine Protection Cover
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Check out the benefits of an engine protection cover:

Exclusions of Engine Protection Cover
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The following are not covered under the engine protection add-on:

Difference Between Zero Dep and Engine Protection
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Zero depreciation and engine protection are valuable add-on covers for car insurance. While both help reduce out-of-pocket expenses in case of damage, they serve different purposes and offer distinct benefits. 

Let us find out the differences in detail from the following table:

Features

Zero Depreciation

Engine Protect 

Premium 

Higher, but the depreciation charges get nullified

Lesser compared to a car with a zero depreciation cover premium 

Charges Covered

Full Replacement charges for all car parts

Charges covered for only engine damage 

Suitability for new drivers

Suitable for new drivers 

Only the engine protection add-on is not sufficient for new drivers

Coverage

Covers all minor damages, like small dents and bumps

Covers physical damage to the engine, like the piston and gearbox 

Out-of-pocket expenses

Reduces out-of-pocket expenses for everything 

Reduces out-of-pocket expenses only for engines

Number of Claims

2 claims per year

2 claims per year

Final Words
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Depending on your budget and the age of your car, you can decide whether to purchase a zero-depreciation or an engine protection cover. If you are buying a new car and living in an accident-prone zone, buying a zero-depreciation add-on will be wise. In contrast, if you are worried about the engine condition of your pre-purchased car, you could protect it with an engine protection cover by adding a little more to your comprehensive car insurance premium.  

Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQS

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Is engine protection included in zero depreciation cover?

No, engine protection does not come under a standard zero depreciation add-on cover. It primarily covers repairing and replacing different car body parts without any kind of depreciation charges. 

Can I buy a zero depreciation cover for my old car?

Although it is highly recommended to purchase a zero depreciation cover as soon as you purchase a new car, you can buy it until your car reaches the 5 years mark.  

Which one is better: zero depreciation or engine protection cover?

Depending on how old your car is, location and  driving intensity, you can choose. A zero depreciation cover is better if you are a new driver and want to protect your car from injuries. In contrast, if you live in a flood prone area, it is better to opt for engine protection cover. 

Does IDV matter with zero depreciation?

No, zero depreciation add-on cover does not have any effect on IDV (Insured Declared Value). Typically, IDV is based on a car's market value and age.    

Is zero depreciation cover better than comprehensive cover?

When it comes to new cars, zero depreciation is better than comprehensive car insurance. Zero depreciation helps a policyholder avoid all kinds of out-of-pocket charges during repairs after an accident.